The excitement around the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup is at an all-time high, with just under a month left until the beginning of the football competition. The grand prize is impressive enough on its own, but in addition to that, there are also a few remarkable individual gifts that can be won.
Every player's ultimate goal is to take home the Golden Ball, which is presented to the tournament's best overall performer. We shall look at the early favorites for this title in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will have competition from many individuals. Without further ado, here are the top eight likely winners of the Golden Ball at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
1. Kevin De Bruyne
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In the 2022 World Cup, Kevin De Bruyne will be the best midfielder. The Belgian has been on fire once again after missing the season opener due to injury. He was so outstanding that the Premier League awarded him the accolade of Player of the Season for the 2021–22 season. Players, coaches, and fans all agree that De Bruyne is the best in the world. If the Belgian plays in the final and continues to amaze the world like he has with Man City, he will win the Golden Ball without much of a contest.
2. Pedri
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That's the best way to describe how important the young Barcelona player is to Spain. The No. 10 player for his country and the No. 8 player for his club, Pedri has a bright future ahead of him. Right now, he's already getting a lot of attention. But he has great technique and the smarts to find, occupy, and make the most of whatever space is open to him. This makes him one of the best players in the world. He has shown that he has the right attitude, arrogance, and confidence to wear two of the most important jerseys in the game.
3. Vinicius Junior
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In 52 games during the 2021-22 season, Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid were unstoppable, as he scored 22 goals and sent out 20 assists. In addition to helping the Whites win LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup, the youthful winger scored the game-winning goal against Liverpool in the Champions League final.
4. Luka Modric
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In 2018, Modric won the Ballon d'Or for leading a team that wasn't expected to win to the World Cup final. Even though Modric is no longer at the top of his game, he has won five Champions League titles, and Croatia will continue to depend on his leadership, creativity, and technical skills to win games. He won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup, but France beat his team in the final. Let's find out if Modric and Croatia can do it again.
5. Karim Benzema
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Karim Benzema had his best season at Real Madrid in 2021-22, when he contributed 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 games across all competitions. His efforts helped Real Madrid win the Champions League, La Liga, and Spanish Super Cup. For his incredible year, he was also awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or.
6. Neymar
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The Brazilians may use Neymar more as a facilitator in Qatar, but he will still be free to play in any forward position he sees fit. Since he is so close to breaking Pele's record for most goals scored by a Brazilian player, and since this may be his best chance to become the greatest Brazilian player of all time, he is the odds-on favorite to win the Golden Ball.
7. Lionel Messi
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Lionel Messi and Argentina's squad were knocked out of the World Cup by eventual winners France, 4-3, in the round of 16. Since then, La Albiceleste's confidence and talent have grown, thanks in large part to the example provided by captain Lionel Messi. In seven games, Messi helped Argentina advance to the 2021 Copa America final with four goals and five assists. He is widely considered the greatest player in Argentina's history. They played Brazil there and won in a penalty shootout.